The “old village” of Farsa with its pre-earthquake ruins and stunning views is in itself a museum of open history, one of the best preserved old villages of the island with a long tradition at sea and piracy tales. It is said that it was Louis de Bernieres who inspired him to write his famous novel, “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin”. The earthquake of 1953 severely destroyed every building in the village. Unfortunately, all the villagers were left homeless. As in most villages on the island, some of the inhabitants moved abroad and others who had left the mountain village started a new settlement down the slope and closer to the main road. The earthquake marked a major turning point in their lives.
Inside the ruins of the old settlement you can find scattered objects, such as spoons, broken dolls and crushed porcelain, all of which indicate a rapid abandonment.
The main income of the villages came from sailors working on merchant ships. At sea for months at a time let the women do all the work until the men returned. The cultivation of olives, vegetables, fruits and grapes was also used for income. Some people kept chickens others produced honey. The inhabitants of Old Farsi were quite efficient, making wine and olive oil.
